Stretford Paddock come out victorious by a goal to nil over Moore United after a resolute performance despite being down to nine men for the closing stages.
An erratic start from both sides saw limited chances in the early stages with both sides trying to find their feet with Paddock hoping to follow on from their emphatic 10-0 victory last time out in the league.
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A brilliant passage of play between Iyamu and youngster Vic Iyumva, who’s eager to impress, on his first start for Paddock saw a change go astray after De Andrade was unable to bring it down under serious pressure from the Moore United defence.
Many more chances followed for Paddock who were comfortably on top although unable to find the net.
However, after the 20 minute mark a delightful pass from Nosa Iyamu split the Moore defence and found Joao De Andrade bearing down on goal before he calmly slotted into the bottom corner beyond the helpless goalkeeper. A goal that calmed the nerves of all Paddock players, staff and fans to put them ahead deservedly with just under quarter of the match played.
Iyumva continued to strike fear into the Moore defenders with his great footwork and electric speed however limited chances for both sides followed to close out the first half with Paddock in the lead and comfortably in the driving seat.
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Half Time: Stretford Paddock 1-0 Moore United
Paddock returned for the second half with a point to prove and the aim of extending their lead. Continuing the pressure from the first half despite no real chances that troubled either keeper in the opening 15 minutes.
A professional performance from Paddock continued past the hour mark with only a few half chances for the home side that were easily thwarted by the opposition defence.
A great chance for Moore United came in the 70th minute with the ball being squared across the box before their number nine skewed his shot wide, a big let off for Paddock who lost concentration which was nearly costly.
With only ten minutes left to play an off the ball incident, during a Stretford Paddock corner, saw Ronaldo Brown given a straight red card, the last thing Paddock needed with the game not out of sight and only a goal to the good.
A composed end to the game from Paddock saw them close out a routine victory over Moore United although they will be disappointed that they were unable to make it more. A result they will be pleased with nonetheless as they continue to build on their good form as they climb up the table.
